Perodua Viva Explained

Perodua Viva (L251)
Manufacturer:Perodua
Production:May 2007 – August 2014
Assembly:Malaysia: Rawang, Selangor
Class:City car
Body Style:5-door hatchback
Layout:Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Related:Daihatsu Mira (L250)
Wheelbase:23901NaN1
Length:35751NaN1
Width:14751NaN1
Height:15301NaN1
Weight:660 cc - 7550NaN0
850 cc - 7650NaN0
1000 cc Standard
SX - 7850NaN0
EZ - 7900NaN0
1000 cc Premium
SXi - 7950NaN0
EZi - 8000NaN0
Predecessor:Perodua Kancil
Perodua Kelisa
Successor:Perodua Axia

The Perodua Viva is a city car manufactured by Malaysian automaker Perodua since 10 May 2007. At launch, Perodua marketed the Viva as a Kelisa replacement only. Later in the Viva's life, with the introduction of the 660 BX variant, the Viva finally replaced the Kancil. The Perodua Viva is based on the sixth generation Daihatsu Mira (L250). The name "Viva" is derived from the Italian word viva, meaning "long live".

History

Pre-launch

The Perodua Viva was previewed by the XX06 Concept Car shown during the KL International Motor Show 2006.[1]

2007

The Viva was launched in May 2007[2] with six variant: 660cc EX (manual), 850cc EX (manual), 1.0L SX (manual), 1.0L EZ (automatic), 1.0l SXi (manual) and 1.0l EZi (automatic).[3] The SX and EZ variants was marketed as "Standard" while the SXi and EZi variants as "Premium".[4] 5 color choices were available at launch with an additional 2 color choices added in September 2007.[5]

2009

On 20 July 2009, a 660 BX (manual) variant was added as the new base model and as the replacement for the Perodua Kancil.[6] [7] Compared to the 660 EX (manual) variant, notable differences included the omission of an audio player + speakers and an alarm system with central locking.[8]

On 23 July 2009, 'Elite' variants were introduced as new range topping variants replacing the 1.0L SX (manual), 1.0L EZ (automatic) and 1.0 EZi (automatic) variants with the Elite MT (manual), Elite AT (automatic) and Elite EZi (automatic) respectably. The 1.0 SXi variant was dropped. Elite variants featured redesigned front bumpers integrating fog lamps, altered rear bumpers featuring honeycomb grille, bonnet with bulge down the centre and a different design for the 14" alloy wheels.[9]

A 1.0 (automatic) variant was also introduced silently featuring identical specifications to the 850 (manual) variant apart from powertrain while the 660 EX (manual) variant gained body colour bumpers (previously material colour) and a CD player (replacing the cassette player from before).

2010

The 'Elite Exclusive Edition' was introduced in November 2010 and was positioned between the Elite and Elite EZi variants featuring leather upholstery, a unique exterior colour option and wheels finished in different shade.[10] [11]

2013

In March 2013, the Viva 1.0 S (automatic) variant was launched.[12] [13] Compared to the 1.0 (automatic) variant which it replaced, extra kit included seat height adjuster, under seat tray, seat back pockets, driver's vanity mirror and a stereo with MP3/WMA support. Additionally, material colour (unpainted) gear shift bezel and centre cluster, and "medium grade" fabric seats was upgraded to silver painted finish and "high grade" fabric respectively.[14]

Alongside, the Viva 660 EX (manual) and Viva Elite EZi (automatic) variants were quietly discontinued (price list removed from Perodua's website) in March 2013.[15] [16] [17] [18]

2014

Following the launch of the Perodua Axia on 15 September 2014, the Viva remained in production in a sole, 850 (manual) variant.[19]

2015

The Viva was removed from Perodua's website between March and April 2015.[20] [21]

Specifications

The suspension is typical of small hatchbacks with MacPherson struts in front located by an L-shaped lower arm. At the rear, Viva is fitted with a torsion beam axle and trailing arms. The suspension geometry has been optimised for better steering response and ride comfort. The 1000 cc models have power-assisted steering, optional auto transmission and also a front stabilizer. The 660 cc and 850 cc are barebones basic models, devoid of power steering and auto transmission.

Exterior

The overall height is 1530mm and the wheelbase is 2390mm.[22] As the Viva is based on Daihatsu Mira, a kei car, it has a compact exterior dimensions and a small turning radius.

Interior

The maximum interior length is 1845mm and the maximum interior height is 1250mm. The boot capacity with the rear seats folded up is 149 liters while with the rear seats down, the boot capacity is 449 liters. The Perodua Viva interior features 5 seatbelts. 4 being three-point seatbelts while the center seat for the rear bench is only a two-point seatbelt.[23]

Safety

Certain models had anti-locking braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD) and brake assist (BA) and dual supplemental restraint system (SRS) airbags. Additionally, the Perodua Viva featured a collapsible steering shaft mechanism. From July 2012 onwards, dual supplemental restraint system (SRS) airbags and seat belt pretensioners were made standard on all variants to comply with newer governmental regulations.[24] One can identify a Viva without airbags and ones with airbags quite easily by referring to the steering wheel. If the steering wheel has the Perodua logo chromed instead of moulded and there's additional silver trim, then there's airbags.

Powertrain

The Viva comes with 3-cylinder engine choices: 660 cc, 850 cc and 1000 cc. They are familiar engines but updated with modern technology such as DVVT (Dynamic Variable Valve Timing) and EFI, and they all have twin overhead camshafts to provide even stronger low-speed pulling power, resulting in fewer gearchanges, yet also manages to increase top end power. Other innovations include a resin port intake manifold and a head cover incorporating an air-cleaner casing.

Fuel economy varies from 15.1 km/l (42.6 mpg) for EJ-VE automatic model, 17.5km/l (49.4mpg) for EJ-VE manual model, 17.4km/l (49.1mpg) for ED-VE.manual model & 18.7 km/L (52.8 mpg) for EF-VE manual model. For the 1 litre manual the 0–100 km/h time is about 12.8 seconds. The engine torque band is not particularly peaky and timing it takes to hit 700NaN0 is good. It may be pushed to 1300NaN0 without much effort. However the engine drones at such speeds. Top speed is around 1600NaN0.

Export

The Perodua Viva was exported to Sri Lanka, Brunei, Nepal, Mauritius and Singapore.

In August 2008, the Perodua Viva was officially launched in Sri Lanka available with the same six variants as in the Malaysian market.

Between 2010 and 2014, Econ Motors Sdn Bhd (Perodua's then-distributor in Brunei) launched the Viva in the single BX variant, with the 660 cc engine and 5-speed manual. In Brunei, the Viva came with body-coloured bumpers, black mirror caps, radio player with two front speakers, remote key lock, and with available exterior colours of Ivory White, Ebony Black, or Glittering Silver.

Sales

!Year!Malaysia[25]
200746,217
200867,582
200967,981
201069,045
201160,675
201256,586
201351,155
201428,805
201519

Awards and accolades

Reception

Motoring Magazine Singapore in the August 2008 issue reviewed a 1.0 EZi variant and mentioned that it was "good value-for-money", able to "fit four adults comfortably", scores well with practicality but could do better with higher quality of materials and a quieter engine.[26]

Sgcarmart.com in September 2009 reviewed the same 1.0 EZi variant as motoring magazine in their August 2008 issue and mentioned that maintenance should be cheap. However, the reviewer also pointed out shortcomings in terms of "build quality, ride comfort and performance".[27]

References

  1. Web site: 2006-05-26 . Upcoming Perodua Kelisa replacement? - paultan.org . 2022-10-19 . Paul Tan's Automotive News . en-US.
  2. News: New Perodua Viva Full Details, Photos and Price!. 2007-05-11. Paul Tan's Automotive News. 2018-05-29. en-US.
  3. Web site: 2007-06-26 . Perodua : Viva Price . 2022-10-19 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070626044905/http://www.perodua.com.my/index.php?section=ourcars&page=viva&action=price . 2007-06-26 .
  4. Web site: 2007-10-07 . Wayback Machine . 2022-10-19 . https://web.archive.org/web/20071007114724/http://www.perodua.com.my/download/brochure/viva_brochure.pdf . 2007-10-07 .
  5. News: 2 new colours for the Perodua Viva. 2007-09-17. Paul Tan's Automotive News. 2018-05-29. en-US.
  6. News: Kon . 2009-07-20 . Out goes the Kancil, in comes ViVA 660BX - Autoworld.com.my . en-US . Autoworld.com.my . 2018-05-29.
  7. News: 2009-07-20 . Perodua Viva 660 BX replaces the Kancil . en-US . Paul Tan's Automotive News . 2018-05-29.
  8. Web site: 2009-08-15 . Perodua : Viva Specifications . 2022-10-19 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090815014700/http://www.perodua.com.my/index.php?section=ourcars&page=vivaelite&action=specs . 2009-08-15 .
  9. Web site: Perodua Viva Elite: a new look for the Viva. Tan. Paul. 2009-07-23. Paultan.org. 2012-04-21.
  10. News: Perodua launches Viva Elite Exclusive Edition - Autoworld.com.my. Kon. 2010-11-12. Autoworld.com.my. 2018-05-29. en-US.
  11. News: Perodua Viva Elite Exclusive Edition - RM42,000. 2010-11-13. Paul Tan's Automotive News. 2018-05-29. en-US.
  12. News: 2013-03-13 . Perodua launches S-Series Viva S, Myvi SE and Alza S . en-US . Paul Tan's Automotive News . 2018-05-29.
  13. News: Kon . 2013-03-15 . Perodua S-Series models mark company's 20th anniversary - Autoworld.com.my . en-US . Autoworld.com.my . 2018-05-29.
  14. Web site: 2013-10-31 . Viva S - Specifications Perodua . 2022-10-19 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131031163252/http://www.perodua.com.my/ourcars/viva-s/specifications . 2013-10-31 .
  15. Web site: 2013-03-04 . Viva - Price Perodua . 2022-10-19 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130304152248/http://www.perodua.com.my:80/ourcars/viva/price . 2013-03-04 .
  16. Web site: 2013-03-20 . Viva - Price Perodua . 2022-10-19 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130320181253/http://www.perodua.com.my:80/ourcars/viva/price . 2013-03-20 .
  17. Web site: 2013-07-19 . Viva ELITE - Specifications Perodua . 2022-10-19 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130719205618/http://www.perodua.com.my:80/ourcars/viva-elite/specifications . 2013-07-19 .
  18. Web site: 2013-08-19 . Viva ELITE - Specifications Perodua . 2022-10-19 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130819194947/http://www.perodua.com.my:80/ourcars/viva-elite/specifications . 2013-08-19 .
  19. Web site: 2014-08-19 . Perodua Axia Review - first impressions of the EEV . 2022-10-19 . Paul Tan's Automotive News . en-US.
  20. Web site: 2015-03-03 . Perodua . 2022-10-19 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150303060347/http://www.perodua.com.my:80/ . 2015-03-03 .
  21. Web site: 2015-04-06 . Perodua . 2022-10-19 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150406065453/http://www.perodua.com.my:80/ . 2015-04-06 .
  22. Web site: ViVa Brochure . https://web.archive.org/web/20150213221654/http://www.perodua.com.my/media/file/brochure/viva_brochure.pdf . 2015-02-13. 2015-02-13. 2018-05-29.
  23. News: GALLERY: Perodua Axia vs Viva - a big leap forward?. 2014-09-24. Paul Tan's Automotive News. 2018-05-29. en-US.
  24. Web site: All Perodua cars to come with dual airbags, seat belt pretensioners from July 2012, no price increase. 2012-07-19. Paul Tan's Automotive News. en-US. 2019-05-20.
  25. Web site: Car Popularity . data.gov.my.
  26. Book: motoring. SINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS LIMIT. 2008. Singapore. 53–55.
  27. Web site: Car Review - Perodua Viva 1.0 EZi (A). sgCarMart. sgCarMart.com. 2018-05-29.